In premature babies with an increased risk of birth defects

Premature infants are twice as likely born with birth defects, according to U.S. scientists. Scientists have nearly 7 million babies born between 1995 to 2000, studied in 13 countries to determine the relationship of premature birth and birth defects. It was found that about 8% of the preterm infants had congenital anomalies, born compared with 3% of those at term. Five times higher than that of children born at term - children were born at the age of 24 and 31 weeks, the highest risk. Full-term pregnancy about 40 weeks. The most common birth defects in a group of premature infants had problems with the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. The cause of most birth defects is unknown, although the main reason is probably a combination of genetic and environmental factors, scientists say. Experts pointed out that smoking during pregnancy and maternal obesity are a major cause of birth defects and premature births before pregnancy.